Where to See the Most Beautiful
Cherry Blossoms in Korea

Cherry blossom season in South Korea typically blooms between late March and mid-April, with the peak spanning early April. Southern areas like Jeju and Jinhae often bloom first in late March, while Seoul and Gyeongju flourish in early April. This staggered timing gives you flexible options depending on your travel dates. The exact timing varies slightly each year depending on weather conditions, so checking updated bloom forecasts is essential. If you're planning a trip across multiple cities, you can often catch the blossoms more than once as you travel north. Many local festivals are scheduled to align with peak bloom, offering not just floral beauty but also cultural events, performances, and food stalls. For the best experience, try to visit during weekdays to avoid large weekend crowds.

Take a train to Seoul and enjoy Yeouido Hangang Park, one of the most famous cherry blossom Korea tourist attractions, which is one JR-equivalent train hop away via Seoul Metro. Walking along the river under a canopy of pale pink is truly iconic. You’ll enjoy street food stalls, festivals, and night illuminations. The park also hosts cultural performances, art displays, and music stages during peak bloom, creating a lively yet relaxing atmosphere perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers. Complement this with a stroll through Seokchon Lake, right next to Jamsil Station, where blossoms arc over the water, magical both day and night. The lake is divided into east and west sections, connected by a pathway that makes a full circular walk especially charming in spring. In the evening, lights reflect off the petals and water, giving it a dreamlike quality. As a bonus, Lotte World Tower nearby offers panoramic views of the city framed by pink blooms, making it a great spot to end the day.

Often cited as the best place for cherry blossoms in Korea, Jinhae hosts South Korea’s largest and most spectacular cherry blossom festival, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, attracting millions of visitors each year. Board a KTX or regional train to Masan, then take a short shuttle or local train to Jinhae. During the festival, streets, bridges, and riverbanks are awash in blossoms—particularly along Yeojwacheon Stream, where the petals create a soft pink carpet on the water, and Gyeonghwa Station, where trains pass through a tunnel of blooms. Nighttime is equally magical, with lanterns and soft lights turning the town into an enchanting scene. Besides the blossoms, visitors can enjoy parades, cultural performances, and delicious street food stalls selling local favourites, making the whole city feel like a celebration of spring.

Gyeongju’s blend of ancient culture and floral beauty is unforgettable. Reach it via KTX train from Seoul in about 2 hours. Stroll through Tumuli Park, Bomun Lake resort, and around Cheomseongdae Observatory—all framed by delicate blooms, enriching both your eyes and understanding of Korea’s past. The contrast of pink blossoms against centuries-old temples and royal tombs creates a unique harmony of history and nature. Bomun Lake is especially famous for cycling or walking paths lined with cherry trees, and in the evenings, the reflection of blossoms on the calm lake makes for postcard-worthy photos. During cherry blossom season, the entire city feels like an open-air museum painted in pink, where every corner reveals a story wrapped in petals. Many travellers say Gyeongju in spring captures the essence of Korea more vividly than anywhere else.

Photo ops: Seek arching branches over rivers, lakes, or train tracks, like at Gyeonghwa Station or Yeouido.

Festivals & street food: Jinhae’s festival and Seoul’s Yeouido fairs offer delicious snacks and cultural performances.

Evening strolls: Many places, especially Yeouido and Seokchon Lake, illuminate cherry blossoms at night, an ethereal experience.

Local crafts & souvenirs: You’ll find blossom-themed souvenirs like soaps, cookies, and postcards, perfect for keepsakes.

Pair with other spring blooms: Many of these spots also boast azaleas, forsythias, and magnolias, giving you even richer spring palettes.